A recent report from the University of Western Australia and Telethon Kids Institute polled 1,646 parents of children between the ages of 2 and 5, with the findings arguably making the case for adding a four-legged friend to the family. The results were published in the journal Pediatric Research on Tuesday, and disclosed that 42 percent (686) of households surveyed owned a dog.

According to the findings, little ones who grow up around and actively engage with dogs, from regularly going on family dog walks to playing with the pet, were not only less likely to have difficulties with personal conduct and their peers, but also were more inclined to share and cooperate.

Specifically, kids from dog-owning homes were reportedly between 30 and 40 percent less likely to have problems with conduct or peers. These children also had 23 percent less total difficulties, and were 34 percent more apt to engage in pro-social behaviors than kids who do not have pups.